SPICY ONE BOWL NOODLES

I saw something like this on Instagram recently, and I can’t remember the account, but thought it’s such a good idea! Basically, mixing all the ingredients for a singular bowl of noodles in the bowl you’re going to eat from. Instant(ish) noodles, but not instant noodles. These are much tastier, and the list of ingredients you can feel better about eating on a regular basis. 

Mem’s guilty pleasure quick snack is instant noodles, but let's be honest, they’re not great for you and have so many tiny little plastic bags in each pack. So, if you can knock this up in minutes, then why not go for this option instead? Just to note, this only makes one serving, but you can easily multiply and use a bigger bowl. 

I always have multiple chili oils in my cupboard and usually have homemade Sichuan oil, which I use here. I’ve included a link if you want to make your own, but you could use whatever Asian-style chili oil you prefer, Laoganma crispy chili oil is a widely available favourite. 

I do appreciate making your own chili oil makes this much less of an instant noodle, but once you’ve done it it will last for months, for me, it’s a cupboard staple.

.. and finally a note from Mem, if you are going to buy packet noodles, the only way to go is Indomie - Mi Goreng flavour!

SPICY ONE BOWL NOODLES 

serves 1

For the sauce

2 spring onions, finely sliced

1 inch ginger, grated 

1 tablespoon tahini 

2 teaspoon chiang vinegar 

1 teaspoon tamari 

¼ teaspoon maple syrup* 

4 teaspoon chill oil - you can make your own, this is Fuchsia Dunlop’s Sichuan oil or you could use chili crisp

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 

2 tablespoons noodle-cooking water 

90g noodles, I used udon, I like this brand: Akagi 

Mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Boil your noodles according to packet instructions, saving a few tablespoons of the cooking water when they’re ready. Once they are cooked, drain and transfer the noodles directly into the sauce bowl along with the cooking water, mix well, and serve. 

Optional extras:  

Seasonal greens - sprouting broccoli would be great here. 

Not very traditional, but I love chunky coriander mixed through these noodles 

Black sesame gomasio, or roasted crushed peanuts would also be delicious.

*I used maple syrup, but you could substitute it for another sweetening agent if you prefer.